Tag: writing for children

Mining for Heart: “How a Little Red Chair Sparked a Picture Book” by Cathy Stefanec Ogren

July 5, 2024

Think back…do you have a favorite piece of furniture from your past? One that comes with precious memories? One that’s part of YOUR story. But what if that special piece of furniture could share ITS story? Author Cathy Stefanec Ogren’s latest book is just such a tale, and here she shares how she found the … More Mining for Heart: “How a Little Red Chair Sparked a Picture Book” by Cathy Stefanec Ogren

Behind the Scenes: “Why Art Notes Can Make or Break a Manuscript” by Maria Marianayagam

June 28, 2024

In an article I wrote recently for GROG Blog about my experience with illustration notes with THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE, my look back over the editorial revision process showed that when the text was clarified, the notes weren’t needed. In this post, Maria Marianayagam shares a very different experience. Once again, there are no … More Behind the Scenes: “Why Art Notes Can Make or Break a Manuscript” by Maria Marianayagam

Behind the Scenes: How to Sell an “Evergreen” Manuscript by Christine Van Zandt

June 14, 2024

Some topics and themes are “evergreen,” eternally relevant, but they present their own challenges. Check out this post from author Christine Van Zandt about how she handled a familiar topic and made it special.  GIVEAWAY! Christine is offering a copy MILKWEED FOR MONARCHS to one lucky person who leaves a comment below! Congratulations to Angela, … More Behind the Scenes: How to Sell an “Evergreen” Manuscript by Christine Van Zandt

Behind the Scenes: “The Importance of Community” by Lynn Becker

June 7, 2024

There’s that saying “it takes a village.” So true for so many endeavors—and publishing a children’s book is one of them! Here’s a post from one of my local critique partners Lynn Becker who’s celebrating the release of her second book for kids.  GIVEAWAY! Lynn is offering a copy of JUNE MOON, a delightful board … More Behind the Scenes: “The Importance of Community” by Lynn Becker

Mining For Heart: “Inspired by a Magical Moment with a Bunny” by Nell Cross Beckerman

May 24, 2024

One of the questions I get asked most is, “where do you get your ideas for stories?” As a nonfiction nerd, I’m always on the lookout for bits of history few know about—events that open our minds to understanding the past and the present. But there are all kinds of books and all kinds of … More Mining For Heart: “Inspired by a Magical Moment with a Bunny” by Nell Cross Beckerman

Behind the Scenes: “Top 10 Things to Know About Writing a Basic—but Effective—Author Bio for Promotion” by Laura Stegman

May 17, 2024

Sharing your books with the public takes authors and illustrators into a whole new world. So much to think about and so much to learn. In this post, author Laura Stegman share tips for writing an author bio for promotion, an excellent place to start.  GIVEAWAY! Laura is offering a copy of Summer of L.U.C.K. … More Behind the Scenes: “Top 10 Things to Know About Writing a Basic—but Effective—Author Bio for Promotion” by Laura Stegman

Behind the Scenes: “Using Learnings from Readers When Writing a Follow-up Title” by Katy Tanis

May 10, 2024

Sometimes authors get a chance to follow up a book with another title as part of a duo, trilogy, or series. Here are a few tips from Katy Tanis sharing how she used the response from the first book to inform a second one!  Congratulations to 2 winners of blog post giveaways:   Lori Alexander, you’ve … More Behind the Scenes: “Using Learnings from Readers When Writing a Follow-up Title” by Katy Tanis

Mining for Heart: “Write the Stories Only You Can Tell” by Hanh Bui

April 19, 2024

I spent my teaching career teaching English to students like young Hanh Bui, hoping that they would find their voice in a new language, hoping they would share their stories one day. Stories like Hanh’s touch my heart, and I’m so glad she’s found a way to bring her experiences to others who will be … More Mining for Heart: “Write the Stories Only You Can Tell” by Hanh Bui

Mining for Heart: “Without Gravity, We Wouldn’t Be Here” by Henry Herz

April 12, 2024

Henry Herz tackles some difficult topics, like smoke and gravity. Here he explains his three-pronged approach to I AM GRAVITY, his new release. And I have to say, not only was the text lyrical and engaging, and the illustrations downright gorgeous, it’s pretty mind blowing to consider the vast impact of gravity— so much more … More Mining for Heart: “Without Gravity, We Wouldn’t Be Here” by Henry Herz

Behind the Scenes: “Leafy Landmarks—The Journey from Seed Idea to Layered Poetry Collection” by Michelle Schaub

April 5, 2024

When I read LEAFY LANDMARKS by Michelle Schaub, I was amazed by the layers! Not only all the research and multiple angles, but also an incredible poetry collection! Such a great book for the classroom! Michelle is here to share how the layers of her manuscript grew over time as she persevered to publishing.  GIVEAWAY! … More Behind the Scenes: “Leafy Landmarks—The Journey from Seed Idea to Layered Poetry Collection” by Michelle Schaub